Legendary Former Russian general Mikhail Kalashnikov turned 89

The former Russian general Mikhail Kalashnikov, celebrated his 89th birthday on Monday ,November 10, said he was a ‘truly happy man’ for having created the rifle bearing his name.

‘I think I am a truly happy man. I created a weapon for the defence of my country and it continues to serve this cause and develop,’ Mr Kalashnikov was quoted as saying by the Ria Novosti news agency.

Famous for Russian small arms designer, most popular for his AK-47, frequently called the Kalashnikov, the rifle has become the weapon of choice by dozens of armies and guerrillas around the world, the World War II veteran has barely profited financially from the AK-47.

Mr Mikhail joined the Red Army in 1938, and became a tank driver-mechanic, achieving the rank of senior sergeant serving on the T-34s of the 24th Tank Regiment, 12th Tank Division stationed in Stryi before retreating, with the regiment after the failed counterattack at Brody,

Mr Kalashnikov started working on his rifle in 1947, design by Soviet defeats in the early years of World War II at the hands of far better armed German soldiers. The Kalashnikov quickly became prized for its sturdy reliability in difficult field conditions.